***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[ChrisGold]

Alden dark tan cap toe boots w/single leather commando.

 

[MiniW]

Originally Posted by jolla

I think my new thing is going to be to buy a bunch of different sizes and lasts of well-worn Aldens off of Ebay and dial this in once and for all.

don't go overboard on this, and I'll tell you why. While the labeled size of the shoes may be what you need, the original wearer's foot will likely be a different shape than yours. Anything that throws the heel to ball of foot length by more than a few mm will really make the shoes uncomfortable. After buying used Aldens off ebay for a while and only keeping 3 pairs out of 15-20 or so I've come across in my size, I know the value of getting a brand new pair and having them mold to your foot.

But if you can come across like new, hardly worn Aldens for a fraction of retail, by all means jump on it!

 

[Kraken]

I am looking to purchase my first good pair of boots. I don't really have any good casual shoes or boots but I have experience with quality dress shoes. I have lots of questions and hopefully I will be able to get some help. I did some research and went through a lot of this thread but I still need assistance it seems.

I am looking for year round wear type of boots for Ottawa weather. I would be wearing them in up to medium rain and light snow but I wouldn't wear them in full-fledged "slush". I really dig the look of the Indy boot, especially the Kudu Ultimate Indy Boot. I am hesitating between the Kudo Ultimate, the Ultimate and the 403. The 405 doesn't appeal to me that much simply because of the lining.

Am I right to think that the Kudo would resist the best the elements in which I want to wear these boots? It says that the sole is commando and leather, will that offer similar protection than commando soles? I really need my feet to stay dry in light snow and up to medium rain (but I would try not to walk in puddles).

Can someone better describe the difference in colors between the Kudo Ultimate, Ultimate and 403? They seem to be different in various pictures and I am colorblind which really doesn't help. I am looking to pair these with the latest Dry Bones X Sufu x SF x SelfEdge collaboration jeans. Does the Kudo seem like a good fit?

As far as sizing goes, I really don't know where I can try some Aldens around Ottawa. I am willing to drive as far as Montreal or Toronto if there is a shop that carries them.

Finally, my understanding is that the Kudo is a special run model. Will Leather Souls be making more in the future?

Thanks all

 

[jhcam8]

Originally Posted by Simplicio

I agree that #8 is extremely versatile. But I tend to think of it as more in the black family than in the brown. I would be more likely to wear a black belt with #8 shoes. But that is just me.

The original 'cordovan' color - burgundy - is most often paired with browns and some greys and blues, I think.

 

[Salad]

Originally Posted by Simplicio

I agree that #8 is extremely versatile. But I tend to think of it as more in the black family than in the brown. I would be more likely to wear a black belt with #8 shoes. But that is just me.

Maybe right out of the box but with time and exposure they're going to lean toward a mottled brown/red/burgundy. That's what I like about #8.

 

[MiniW]

Originally Posted by Kraken

I am looking for year round wear type of boots for Ottawa weather. I would be wearing them in up to medium rain and light snow but I wouldn't wear them in full-fledged "slush". I really dig the look of the Indy boot, especially the Kudu Ultimate Indy Boot. I am hesitating between the Kudo Ultimate, the Ultimate and the 403. The 405 doesn't appeal to me that much simply because of the lining.

Am I right to think that the Kudo would resist the best the elements in which I want to wear these boots? It says that the sole is commando and leather, will that offer similar protection than commando soles? I really need my feet to stay dry in light snow and up to medium rain (but I would try not to walk in puddles).

Can someone better describe the difference in colors between the Kudo Ultimate, Ultimate and 403? They seem to be different in various pictures and I am colorblind which really doesn't help. I am looking to pair these with the latest Dry Bones X Sufu x SF x SelfEdge collaboration jeans. Does the Kudo seem like a good fit?

As far as sizing goes, I really don't know where I can try some Aldens around Ottawa. I am willing to drive as far as Montreal or Toronto if there is a shop that carries them.

Finally, my understanding is that the Kudo is a special run model. Will Leather Souls be making more in the future?

Thanks all

- all Alden commando soles are leather with rubber on top.
- the curent 405's have leather lining, same as all other Aldens
- the LS Kudu is a special model and if you want a pair in your size, you will probably have to email Tom as Leather Soul to ask when the next shipment will be, as they are really limited, you will not be able to try them on in person before purchase so you should get to know your size beforehand if possible.
- Kudu will be roughest, thickest leather IMO, I have a pair of kudu chukkas that I wear in the rain and bad weather and rain and salt just brushes off them, I have not polished or conditioned the leather and I have no plans to.
- Kudu will be the darkest brown, the 403's chrome excel will be next darkest, the 405's are lightest in color but can be made darker over time with sno-seal and black polish.

also yes you can wear them with jeans, any jeans, it's a personal choice, there's no right or wrong here

hope this helps, ideally I would recommend a kudu Indy or Chrome excel indy with commando soles. these tend to only be carried by Leather Soul so it may take a while to get, there was a list complied of all internet Alden dealers a couple pages back so that would also be helpful

 

[ChrisGold]

The commando sole as it is done by Alden always has leather between the heel and the ball of the foot. This can we waxed to provide more moisture resistance. The Kudu leather is the darkest of the three, followed by the 403 and the 405 being the lightest. (note that current production 405 boots are made with the same leather lining as the others)

The Ultimate Indy in Kudu would definitely handle your weather the best, as the regular Indy sole can be slippery on snow and ice, and the Kudu leather will hold up the best in rough weather.

May I suggest a third option, the 404, which is a Kudu leather Indy made on a lugged Vibram sole? It is also an Alden stock model, which means you can get it from anywhere if Leathersoul does not have an Ulitmate Indy in stock in your size.

 

[ChrisGold]

Originally Posted by MiniW

- all Alden commando soles are leather with rubber on top.
- the curent 405's have leather lining, same as all other Aldens
- the LS Kudu is a special model and if you want a pair in your size, you will probably have to email Tom as Leather Soul to ask when the next shipment will be, as they are really limited, you will not be able to try them on in person before purchase so you should get to know your size beforehand if possible.
- Kudu will be roughest, thickest leather IMO, I have a pair of kudu chukkas that I wear in the rain and bad weather and rain and salt just brushes off them, I have not polished or conditioned the leather and I have no plans to.
- Kudu will be the darkest brown, the 403's chrome excel will be next darkest, the 405's are lightest in color but can be made darker over time with sno-seal and black polish.

also yes you can wear them with jeans, any jeans, it's a personal choice, there's no right or wrong here

hope this helps, ideally I would recommend a kudu Indy or Chrome excel indy with commando soles. these tend to only be carried by Leather Soul so it may take a while to get, there was a list complied of all internet Alden dealers a couple pages back so that would also be helpful

I must have posted a few secs after you, glad we agree on the answers - the Kudu 404 boots do not get enough attention imo.

 

[HorseHide]

Originally Posted by Kraken

Finally, my understanding is that the Kudo is a special run model. Will Leather Souls be making more in the future?

Leffot just posted their Kudo Indy - get'em while they're hot!

 

[ltb]

i finally ordered some #8 shell lw. merry christmas to me.

 

[Kraken]

Thanks everone for the great advice. Are you referring to Lefot the member? I searched his threads and didn't see that he sells Aldens.

I think the last thing I need to know at this point is whether anyone knows if there is a place that sells Aldens in Ottawa/Montreal/Toronto so I can try them on for sizing. I will definatly provide an update once I make a purchase and let you guys know how they hold off to my wear.

 

[triumphman]

Originally Posted by Kraken

Thanks everone for the great advice. Are you referring to Lefot the member?

he is referring to the NYC store...

http://blog.leffot.com/category/brands/alden-brands/

 

[ChrisGold]

Again, this is not a special make up, it is a standard Alden stock item. You can order from any Alden retailer. (Although Leffot does have a great reputation)

 

[MiniW]

my Alden collection (as far as I'm considered) is now complete with the addition of these Context Tankers. (special thanks to SF member rolling green)...

 

[borderline]

Originally Posted by MiniW

hope this helps, ideally I would recommend a kudu Indy or Chrome excel indy with commando soles. these tend to only be carried by Leather Soul so it may take a while to get, there was a list complied of all internet Alden dealers a couple pages back so that would also be helpful
http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...postcount=7465

(not ALL I'm sure, p.m. if you see some that should be added)